Buzz
An in-depth breakdown of this quirky meme from The Simpsons
How fluent are you in internet humor these days? If you've stumbled across a shot from The Simpsons with the headline “Old Man Yells at Cloud” and wondered what it's all about, you're in the right place. This meme, starring Grandpa (Abe) Simpson, mocks folks who grumble about trivial issues or cling to outmoded views. In this piece, we’ll dive into the background of the meme and show you how to start using it like a pro.
Old Man Yells at Cloud: Quick Summary
The “Old Man Yells at Cloud” meme originates from a memorable moment in The Simpsons, where Grandpa Simpson furiously shakes his fist at the sky under the now-famous headline. It’s commonly used to mock people resistant to change or those voicing grumpy, outdated views on new trends.
How to Use It
What does the “Old Man Yells at Cloud” meme mean?
This satirical headline mocks outdated or overly dramatic viewpoints. It features a newspaper snapshot from The Simpsons where Abe Simpson angrily shakes his fist beneath the caption “Old Man Yells at Cloud.” Often used as a reaction meme, it's deployed to highlight resistance to modern trends or opinions that feel stuck in the past.
- For instance, someone might drop this meme under a comment lamenting Gen Z slang or phone addiction.
- Sometimes it's the unaltered version; other times, users tweak the headline to fit new contexts (“X Yells at Y”).
Where did the “Old Man Yells at Cloud” meme come from?
The image originates from a 2002 episode of The Simpsons. In Season 13, Episode 13, Abe Simpson visits the DMV to renew his license. Instead of posing for a new photo, he convinces his co-in-law Patty Bouvier to use a newspaper picture showing him yelling at the sky. With his new license in hand, he shouts “Who’s laughing now?” at a passing cloud.
- This moment comes from the episode “The Old Man and the Key,” first aired on March 10, 2002.
The meme gained traction online in 2008 and 2009. The earliest known usage of “Old Man Yells at Cloud” as a meme came in September 2008 when tech blogger Joey deVilla used it to poke fun at criticisms of cloud computing—a literal and figurative twist.
- In November 2009, a photoshopped version surfaced featuring Final Fantasy VII’s Cloud Strife under the iconic headline.
- By December 2009, variations appeared with Abe Simpson yelling at Lakitu’s Clouds from the Super Mario Brothers franchise.
The meme has held strong across the 2010s and 2020s. The “Old Man Yells at Cloud” meme has made regular appearances online since the early 2010s, continuing to be a go-to internet joke well into the 2020s. Here are some notable examples:
- In January 2011, a Facebook page titled “Old Man Yells at Cloud” launched, sharing countless creative variations of the meme.
- DeviantArt user Amaya-Zorifuki made a mock motivational poster in March 2011 with the meme image and the witty caption, “To be fair, the cloud started it.”
- In August 2012, FARK user furiousxgeorge posted a parody version swapping Abe Simpson for a cartoon Clint Eastwood and changing the headline to “Old Man Yells at Chair,” a nod to his speech at the 2012 Republican National Convention.
- Reddit user Manfrenjensenjen shared an edited version in November 2015 featuring Abe yelling at a Starbucks holiday cup, headlined “Old Man Yells at Cup,” referencing the controversy over the cup’s secular design.
Using the “Old Man Yells at Cloud” Meme
Use this meme to poke fun at people who resist modern changes. Grandpa Simpson’s out-of-touch rants on The Simpsons make him the perfect symbol for stubbornness toward progress. The meme’s a lighthearted way to call out gripes about modern culture.
- Say an older politician complains about the values of young voters—share the meme with the article to mock the generational disconnect.
- Or if a friend grumbles about having to download yet another app, toss them the meme for a playful jab.
- Whether you’re genuinely criticizing someone or teasing in fun, the meme works in both serious and humorous settings.
Use the meme to laugh at your own grumpy hot takes. Got an opinion that sounds like something your grandpa might say? Embrace it! The “Old Man Yells at Cloud” meme is great for self-aware posts where you’re in on the joke.
- Example: “Okay, I know I’m having an ‘Old Man Yells at Cloud’ moment, but seriously—DVDs were better. No ads, no buffering!” Add the meme image to complete the vibe.
More Memes That Made the Internet Laugh
Stay in the loop with the internet’s most popular memes. From TikTok to Instagram to X (formerly Twitter), memes evolve constantly—and keeping up helps you stay connected and in on the fun. Check out these must-know meme explainers:
- Bombastic Side-Eye: A cutting side glance that says, “Seriously?”
- Skilometer: A punchline highlighting the quirky gap between U.S. and European measurement systems.
- He Just Like Me Fr: When you see or hear something and think, “That’s literally me.”
- Only in Ohio: A running joke about how weird stuff supposedly only happens in Ohio.
- Spiders Georg: A parody of exaggerated trivia, especially the one about swallowing spiders in your sleep.
